Fastest possible way to test render?

[Telemachus]

I'm just looking for speed, here.

 

So far, I test in draft instead of production model at the lowest resolution 284 x 226 (or something or other).

 

I know it's up to my processor and RAM availabitlity. But ignoring that, what is the fastest way to get an image? (I'm using fakeosity, which ups the render times, anyway, and it would be a hassle to turn it off then on again).

 

Anyone know of any quick tips/short cuts?

 

Thanks,

T

[Bugga_Guy]

Texture bake. When you have all your lights set up the way you want. Bake them into your model and then you can remove the lights. It would probably be the fastest way to render.

[Telemachus]

I couldn't find a help dialog for texture baking in VIZ 4 SP2, so I don't think it exists there. Also, texture baking seems to be for radiosity -- and I'm using fakeosity.

 

Thanks, though. Once I step up to radiosity, I'll know what to do! : >

 

T

[DennisHolland]

Select all > hide all > shift Q = 1.5 seconds....

 

Okay seriously. Just lower all you settings to an acceptable level, samplings in particular, and try to avoid anything that says 'raytrace'. Play around with standard materials and use effective lighting. The fakeosity (probably a lightbowl or e-light script?) is a good start. But remember, there is always the speed/quality issue. If you're looking for speed only, with an acceptable quality, then tex-baking (render to texture) is the fastest way to have an image, but nothing more than an image...